Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese Recipe – Creamy & Cheesy
Published: 9 Feb 2026
If you’re craving rich, creamy, and indulgent Macaroni Grill mac and cheese, this recipe brings the restaurant experience straight to your kitchen. Combining a four-cheese blend of smoked mozzarella, asiago, fontina, and cheddar, it creates a silky, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to ditalini pasta. A touch of truffle oil adds a gourmet twist, while the garlic bread topping delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
This isn’t just any creamy mac and cheese; it’s a cheesy comfort food masterpiece that works for family dinners, holiday meals, or special gatherings. With its creamy sauce, golden crust, and layered flavors, this baked macaroni and cheese is easy to make and impossible to resist.
If you’re craving a cheesy delight, check out our Red Robin Mac and Cheese recipe for a rich and creamy twist on a classic favorite.
What Makes This Mac and Cheese Special
The secret behind this restaurant-style mac and cheese is the careful balance of flavors and textures. The combination of smoked mozzarella, asiago cheese, fontina cheese, and cheddar cheese creates a smooth, rich, and slightly nutty creamy sauce. Adding a touch of truffle oil mac and cheese elevates it to a gourmet level, making it more than just a simple comfort food recipe.
Another standout feature is the garlic bread topping, which bakes into a golden crust while keeping the pasta underneath molten and cheesy. The layering process of combining pasta and sauce and topping with buttered bread ensures each serving delivers both gooey cheese and crisp textures. This approach transforms a homemade mac and cheese into a chef-style mac and cheese experience.
Ingredients for Mac and Cheese
To make the perfect creamy Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese, having the right ingredients is key. Each item contributes to the rich cheesy sauce, tender pasta, or the crunchy garlic bread topping that completes this chef-style mac and cheese.
- Ditalini pasta – 1.5 lb, forms the base of the dish
- Smoked mozzarella – 12 oz, adds creamy, smoky flavor
- Asiago cheese – 8 oz, provides nutty depth
- Fontina cheese – 8 oz, melts smoothly into the sauce
- Cheddar cheese – 6 oz, gives rich sharpness
- Butter – 2/3 cup, used for roux and bread topping
- Truffle oil mac and cheese – 3 tbsp, adds gourmet aroma
- French bread – 6 cups cubed, creates crunchy topping
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced, for flavor in the bread topping
- Italian seasoning – 1/3 tsp, enhances the bread topping aroma
Kitchen Tools Required
Using the right kitchen tools required makes preparing this Macaroni Grill mac and cheese easy and ensures the creamy sauce and golden crust turn out perfect every time. Proper tools help you cook like a pro and get that chef-style mac and cheese look.
- Large pot for cooking the pasta
- Large saucepan for making the cheese sauce
- Whisk for blending the roux smoothly
- Mixing bowls for combining pasta and sauce
- Baking dish for oven-baking the mac and cheese
- Skillet for preparing the garlic bread topping
- Wooden spoon or spatula for gentle stirring
Cooking the Pasta
Start by filling a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente pasta, which ensures the pasta retains a firm texture after baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.
Cooking pasta properly is key for a homemade mac and cheese that isn’t mushy. Remember, it will bake further, so avoid overcooking. Firm al dente pasta holds the creamy sauce better and delivers perfect texture in the final cheesy casserole.
Making the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Slowly add milk while stirring to prevent lumps, then season with salt and nutmeg. Gradually mix in the smoked mozzarella, asiago cheese, fontina cheese, and cheddar cheese until fully melted.
Finally, stir in Romano cheese and a few drops of truffle oil mac and cheese. The result is a velvety, rich creamy cheese sauce that forms the heart of your oven-baked mac and cheese. Proper melted cheese ensures every bite is gooey and flavorful.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, fold the drained ditalini pasta into the creamy sauce, making sure every piece is coated evenly. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and spread it for uniform baking.
Sprinkle the reserved cheese mixture over the top. This step creates a cheesy casserole with a perfect balance between creamy sauce and golden crust. Proper combining pasta and sauce sets the foundation for the ultimate family dinner recipe.
Preparing the Bread Topping
Melt the remaining butter in a skillet and stir in garlic and Italian seasoning. Toss the cubed French bread in the mixture, ensuring every piece is coated with the butter-garlic blend. Spread evenly over the mac and cheese before baking.
This preparing the bread topping step gives your baked macaroni and cheese a crunchy, flavorful golden crust. It transforms the dish from simple comfort food to a chef-style mac and cheese with texture and aroma.
Baking the Mac and Cheese
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 20–25 minutes. The topping should turn golden crust, and the cheese should bubble underneath. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Baking ensures the creamy sauce melds with the pasta and the garlic bread topping crisps up beautifully. This baking the mac and cheese process locks in flavors and guarantees a decadent indulgent cheese dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Macaroni Grill mac and cheese alongside a fresh green salad, garlic-roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken for a complete meal. Wide bowls are ideal for showcasing the creamy sauce and golden crust together.
These serving suggestions enhance the richness of the cheesy comfort food while providing balance. Pairing with simple sides lets the creamy mac and cheese shine as the star family dinner recipe or a holiday mac and cheese treat.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave in short bursts for even warmth. You can also assemble and freeze the dish before baking for up to 2 months.
Following these storage instructions, reheating tips, and freezing option ensures your homemade Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese maintains its creamy sauce and crisp golden crust. Perfect for family dinner recipes or quick indulgent meals.
Nutrition Facts
This chef-style mac and cheese is rich and indulgent, with each serving offering a satisfying balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. You can make small swaps for a lighter or gluten-free version without losing the creamy flavor.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 610 |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Total Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Conclusion
Making this Macaroni Grill mac and cheese at home gives you restaurant-quality results without leaving the kitchen. The creamy mac and cheese, four-cheese blend, garlic bread topping, and subtle truffle oil mac and cheese create an irresistible indulgent cheese dish for any occasion.
Whether it’s a casual family dinner recipe or a holiday mac and cheese treat, every bite delivers rich flavors and textures. Try this homemade mac and cheese, and you’ll experience the perfect balance of gooey creamy sauce and crisp golden crust, making it a true chef-style mac and cheese masterpiece.
FAQs about Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese Recipe
These are some asked questions about Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese Recipe:
You can use a cast-iron skillet or grill-safe pan. Cook the pasta and cheese sauce first, then place it on the grill over medium heat. Cover the pan and cook until the cheese melts and the top turns golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked. Melt the cheese slowly into the sauce and add it gradually. Season well and use a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor. Bake with a crunchy topping for texture.
You need pasta, butter, flour, milk, and a blend of cheeses like smoked mozzarella, asiago, fontina, and cheddar. Optional extras include truffle oil for flavor and bread cubes for a crunchy topping. Salt, nutmeg, and Italian seasoning enhance the taste.
Cook pasta al dente and make a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. Mix the pasta with the sauce evenly and top with extra cheese or bread crumbs. Bake until golden and bubbling. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Yes, you can use elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up when baked. The shape may change the texture slightly but the flavor will stay delicious.
Yes, you can assemble it up to the baking step and refrigerate for 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready, adding a few extra minutes if needed. The flavor and texture stay great.
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and replace all-purpose flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture and flavor will remain delicious. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for best results. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
